Lamps come in all shapes and sizes depending on where they’re used. Some are more decorative than others because they are meant more to enhance ambiance rather than provide illumination critical for getting work done. Of course, that doesn’t mean that these utilitarian lighting can’t look good as well, though they also have to be careful in making sure that usability isn’t impacted for the sake of aesthetics. At the same, you don’t need to go overboard either just to make a lamp look pleasing and distinctive. This somewhat minimalist desk lamp, for example, barely has any notable part aside from its lampshade, but it’s precisely because of its simplicity and form that it looks like you were raising a Zen garden on your desk.
Designer: Jang Lee Jun
For some people, desk lamps are an essential piece of equipment to shed light on their work, literally and figuratively, but they also need to avoid getting in the way of your productivity. That’s the primary reason why most desk lamps are simple, minimalist, and sometimes even bare-bones, providing light without distracting you with their appearance or eating up too much of your precious desk space. Fortunately, you just need a bit of creative thinking to make even a simple design more meaningful, like what this bonsai-inspired lamp tries to prove.
The bonsai tree is one of the more popular symbols related to Zen Buddhism, meditation, and calmness. The real tree takes a lot of patience to grow and trim, but simply seeing one is enough to give our minds peaceful thoughts. Not everyone can afford to take care of the real thing, though, so the Bonsai Desk Lamp offers something similar through its shape. The flat conical lampshade held up by thin metal rods is reminiscent of those bonsai trees, especially the Korean pine tree used for these decorative plants. It may not look like a real bonsai tree with multiple branches, but it could still call to mind those lush, green plants that our brains immediately associate with a state of Zen.
The lamp has one other unique feature that makes it more peaceful than most desk lamps. Instead of shining its light directly, it bounces it off the bottom of the lampshade. This creates a diffusing effect that generates a softer light without diminishing the lamp’s utility. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem possible to move the lamp head around to change its direction, limiting its movement to raising and lowering the arm.
If there’s one worrying thing about the bonsai desk lamp’s design is that it seems to be a bit unbalanced, with the lampshade carrying the visual weight of the object. It might not actually be lopsided, but even the impression of imbalance could make people worry that the lamp will topple over at the slightest nudge, nullifying the effect of whatever feelings of calm and peace the design is supposed to evoke.
There is a staggering number of lamp designs available in the market today, each of them trying to address a particular use case or setting. Some try to cast their nets wide, but it’s sometimes difficult to have a “one size fits all” solution that doesn’t make too many compromises in return. Some people need a concentrated beam of light, while others prefer a more scattered glow. While it’s trivial to change a lamp’s intensity, changing its spread is a little trickier to pull off with traditional designs. This concept design tries to diverge from well-trodden paths to come up with a solution that could satisfy most, if not all, needs, and it ends up having a unique, eye-catching design that, oddly enough, also looks like an eyeball.
Designer: Julian Topor
Lamps serve different purposes depending on where they’re placed and how they emit their light. Ceiling and pendant lights serve to illuminate an entire space, while wall lamps aim to enhance the ambiance. Table lamps often give a more limited amount of light in their surroundings, while most desk lamps focus the light in a specific direction. Solus is a desk lamp design that tries to check off most of those boxes, at least without leaving your desk, and it uses planets revolving around the sun as inspiration.
In this case, what orbits around a ball of light isn’t a planet but four curved plates that can cover parts of a sphere that houses the bulb. These covers can move independently of each other, so you can cover parts of the sphere only while leaving other sections exposed, even if those parts aren’t adjacent to each other. You can expose at most three-fourths of the sphere, for example, or show only a quarter of the ball, making it look eerily like an eye.
With this rather unusual design, you can have precise control of how the light is distributed around the area. It can be spread far and wide by uncovering the majority of the upper half of the sphere, or it can be directed at a single location by covering everything but the direction you want. You can even illuminate different directions by leaving opposite sides open. Of course, the lamp’s brightness can also be controlled, this time with a ring slider on the base of the lamp.
Although the source of its inspiration isn’t immediately obvious, Solus’ unusual design, not to mention its color options, makes it a fun yet multi-functional lighting solution for almost any table or desk motif you have going. It might not take the role of a ceiling or wall lamp, but its flexible configuration definitely makes it worth more than a few single-purpose lamps. Plus, its odd and eerie design is a great eye-catching piece, pardon the pun, that’s sure to get friends and guests talking or even envying your latest acquisition.
A bedroom is not just a place to sleep but also a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Therefore, lighting is an essential element in creating a peaceful atmosphere within the bedroom. Proper lighting can enhance the aesthetics of the decor and make the space versatile for different activities. Incorporating different lighting fixtures, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, can transform the bedroom into a functional and calming space. Additionally, layering the bedroom lighting can create a cozy and soothing ambiance. By considering options like ceiling lights, table lamps, or dimmer switches, one can easily customize the lighting as per one’s mood and needs, as it is crucial for creating a tranquil and versatile bedroom space.
Ambient lighting is essential in any bedroom, serving as the primary source of light that illuminates the space and enables one to navigate easily. The ceiling light is crucial in providing overall illumination and can be complemented with additional fixtures, such as wall sconces or floor lamps, to create a more versatile lighting scheme. To create a soothing atmosphere in the bedroom, it’s best to use soft, dim lighting. This can be achieved by incorporating dimmer switches in the ambient lighting, allowing one to adjust the light levels according to their preference. Dimming the lights at night can create a calming and relaxing ambiance. Incorporating dimmer switches in ambient lighting is an excellent way to create a comfortable and versatile lighting scheme in the bedroom.
Task lighting is a type of focused lighting that is suitable for activities such as reading or writing. These fixtures are typically positioned near a desk or a reading nook to offer sufficient illumination for specific tasks. The most appropriate lighting fixtures that provide task lighting include portable desk lamps, table lamps, vanity lights, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant lights.
Accent lights are ideal for drawing attention to specific decorative features in the bedroom, such as a picture frame or a design feature. Lighting options like wall sconces and track lights accentuate the space and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the bedroom decor.
Bring in plenty of natural light to create a bright and airy atmosphere in the bedroom. Also, sunlight plays an important role in improving the health and well-being of its occupants. However, it’s also essential to have blackout curtains to block out light at night to ensure a comfortable and restful sleep. By combining natural light with effective light-blocking curtains, one can create a perfect balance of brightness during the day and darkness at night in the bedroom.
To achieve the ideal atmosphere in the bedroom, it’s best to use a combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting. The different types of lighting fixtures include portable desk lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, and ceiling lights. Keep in mind that the color temperature of the light bulbs plays a critical role in determining the room’s overall ambiance. Opt for light bulbs with a color temperature of 2700K or lower for a warm and cozy atmosphere. Conversely, for bright and cooler lighting, one should select bulbs with a color temperature of 3500K or higher.
There is a variety of light fixtures that are ideal for use in the bedroom, such as:
Table lamps
Table lamps are an excellent choice for the bedroom, especially for bedside tables. They provide ample illumination for reading or engaging in conversations before bedtime. Having the switch conveniently located nearby ensures that one can turn off the light without having to leave the bed.
A portable reading light is specifically designed for use while reading in bed. These lights typically feature a flexible arm that can be adjusted to direct light where it’s needed, and they are compact and lightweight. They can be particularly useful for individuals who enjoy reading in bed, as they provide a targeted source of light that can be adjusted to minimize eye strain and maximize comfort.
A floor lamp can be a great addition to a spacious bedroom, offering both practical lighting and aesthetic appeal. When selecting a floor lamp for the bedroom, it’s crucial to consider the overall décor of the space and choose a shade that complements it and creates a cohesive and stylish look for the bedroom.
Recessed lighting can be an excellent choice for bedroom lighting, as it provides soft ambient illumination without a visible light source. This type of lighting offers diffused light that doesn’t cast harsh shadows, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the room.
Pendant lights are a versatile lighting option that comes in a wide range of styles and designs. Even when switched off, they can enhance the overall look of the room as a decorative accessory. Pendant lights can provide focused task lighting or soft ambient illumination, depending on their placement.
A chandelier can transform into a striking statement piece for a large bedroom, creating an ornate and luxurious ambiance. Its elegant design can infuse a sense of grandeur into the bedroom. In addition to providing ample illumination, a chandelier can be a beautiful focal point for the room and add a touch of glamour to the overall bedroom decor.
Sconces or wall lights can be an excellent choice for bedroom lighting, especially in compact spaces where floor space is limited. By freeing up floor space, they can create a more streamlined and spacious feel in the room. Sconces are a popular choice for bedroom lighting as their soft, diffused light can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
A ceiling fan with a built-in light can be a practical and convenient option for bedroom lighting and air circulation. These multifunctional fixtures play a dual role by providing both illumination and air movement in one unit, helping to keep the room cool and comfortable. For added convenience, it’s best if the light and fan can be controlled by a remote control, making it easy to adjust the settings from the comfort of one’s bed.
Swing arm lighting can be a versatile and space-saving option for bedroom lighting. These lamps are attached to the wall and swing outwards, providing directional light where it’s needed most. Many swing arm lamps also come with an adjustable reading light, making it easy to focus the light for nighttime reading. The ability to pull the lamp from the wall while in bed is convenient and allows one to adjust the lighting without getting up.
A flush-mounted light is installed directly on the ceiling and creates a streamlined look. The light radiates in all directions, providing even illumination throughout the room. With its unobtrusive design and versatile functionality, a flush-mounted light can be a great addition to any bedroom.
By following the tips provided, one can enhance the overall functionality and atmosphere of the bedroom with the right lighting. Remember to choose fixtures that complement your room’s size and decor, and that cater to your personal preferences for both style and functionality. With a well-thought-out lighting scheme, one can create the perfect ambiance for any occasion, from reading a book in bed to relaxing after a long day.
When people hear the word “waste,” they most probably think of trash or rubbish that no longer has use, like leftover food, paper cups, and plastic bags. In reality, a lot of waste material also comes from production, whether it’s food, wooden furniture, textile, or even rock pieces. Marble, for example, is a much sought-after material for making luxurious-looking products, from furniture to decorations. Not all parts of a chunk of marble end up in the final product, though, and plenty is thrown away without much consideration of how they affect the environment in the long run. It might not be easy to work with unused marble waste, but this rather creative design reuses those pieces to turn them into parts of a wall lamp cluster that gives your space an unearthly glow.
Beautiful as it may be, marble isn’t exactly an easy material to work with, and its sustainability value is a bit all over the place. It’s a naturally occurring rock, yes, but extracting it and processing it requires a lot of energy and water. It isn’t an easily renewable resource either, but it is at least recyclable and reusable when ground and added to a concrete mixture or other hard materials. Reusing bits and pieces of polished marble as they are, however, is harder to pull off, and that’s exactly the feat that the Sole Lamp concept design accomplishes.
Pieces of thin marble, such as those used in tiles, are combined with resin in square or circular molds, depending on the shape of the discarded marble. This combination of marble and translucent resin serve has a cover layer for a circular LED lamp underneath, creating a visual effect that’s similar to a corona during a solar eclipse. On its own, this lamp design is already striking, it becomes even more impactful when combined with other pieces of the puzzle.
Horizontal and vertical wall fixing bars bridge the lamps together, either directly or with an intermediary piece in between. These can also be made from reused marble pieces, often in the shape of discs, that only have small or no parts broken off. Unlike the lamp parts, these are mixed with opaque resin and are used to create unlit segments that break apart would be a visually monotonous sequence of lights.
With an almost random series of lights and opaque discs arranged in a maze-like structure, the Sole Lamp provides not only illumination but also an artistic decoration for your wall. The light from the circular LEDs gets diffused not only through the resin but also on the wall itself, creating a softer glow that contrasts with the sharp light of the lamps. More importantly, the design concept also introduces a novel way to utilize marble waste and even potentially recoup economic losses from these beautiful but underutilized pieces.
There are many nature-inspired designs these days, but many of them take that inspiration too literally. Sometimes they’d literally have the shape of a rock or the moon, or they might even use actual natural objects like leaves or twigs. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with that kind of interpretation, there’s also something to be said for gentler nods toward natural things and phenomena. These can lead the mind the wonder and wander, picking up hints and sparking the imagination to make connections and draw their own conclusions. Sometimes they might make cherished memories surface; other times, they become reminders of the more important things in life. This bowl-shaped table and lamps, for example, try to nudge our minds towards calmness and peace by subtly calling to mind the otherworldly serenity of a lake reflecting the moon in the dark of night.
The side table of this Lake Collection of minimalist furniture is already quite interesting on its own. Having a bowl shape, though not unheard of, isn’t exactly common. Tables with this form often have a central cylinder for its lone support, but the Lake side table has two rectangular legs on each side holding it up.
The glossy and reflective surface of the table is meant to resemble the dark waters of a lake at night, though you probably wouldn’t be able to make that conclusion immediately unless you knew the name of the furniture collection. It’s that kind of indirect and subtle association that makes such designs open to more than just one interpretation, which makes them more effective at conveying messages. In this case, the simplicity of the table’s form becomes not only a tribute to minimalist design but also a reminder to keep our lives simple.
Once you add one of the two table lamps that are part of this collection, however, the moonlit lake inspiration becomes a bit more pronounced. The yellow circular glow of the lamps reflected on the table’s surface immediately calls to mind the unearthly light of the moon on dark waters. The reflection is clear, smooth, and undisturbed, hinting that the waters are similarly clear and calm, a metaphor for calming our minds at the end of the day.
The Lake Collection’s simple design is meant to encourage reflection, especially of the world and nature around us. But even if you miss those cues, the attractive forms and sleek materials still make the furniture a sight to behold, no matter where you place them in the room. It’s a nature-inspired design that, just like nature itself, doesn’t shout to call your attention and simply immerses you in its beauty and wonder.
Plastics aren’t the only sources of pollution on our planet. It might come as a surprise, but even biodegradable material can become problems if left unchecked. Food waste, for example, can easily pile up, and not all of them are easily recycled or reused. Considering how many kinds of food use eggs for one reason or another, eggshells are prime examples of materials that become not only literal waste but also wasted potential to turn into something more useful. Fortunately, that are always ways to upcycle some of the most common food waste, and this collection of oddly-shaped accessories and vessels demonstrates one such method that takes advantage of the materials’ own properties to create interesting organic forms to decorate your tables or your shelves.
Technically, egg shells aren’t exactly recyclable. Yes, they are biodegradable and serve as excellent compost for gardens. Other than that, however, there are a few other uses for the remnants of widely-used eggs. Unfortunately, most people, kitchens, and food production processes don’t exactly pay special attention to food waste like eggshells, creating problems down the line, even for recycling plants.
Just like the eggs they contain, eggshells can, fortunately, become ingredients for something greater than themselves. Burn’tShell, for example, is more than just a collection of vases and lamps with weird yet interesting shapes. This family of biodegradable and biomaterial products actually uses that often ignored food waste material, giving eggshells a new purpose and helping alleviate their harmful effects on the planet even by a little bit.
Burn’tShell actually uses two kinds of sustainable materials. The egg shells serve as the ingredient for the bottom pieces, while tapioca starch is used for the shell. What makes the design even more special is that processes use the materials’ innate properties, potential, and performance, leading to self-forming pieces that really capture the eye with their odd curves. That’s the same cause for the blight-like color-changing design that the material naturally produces, adding to the clay-like appearance of these vessels.
The vases and lamps are definitely conversation starters. Light brown hues mixed with patches of white create an earthy tone, while their unconventional curvy shapes convey a unique, organic character. They would definitely be fitting centerpieces for restaurant tables, especially ones where eggs are used for the main course.
Many people can’t sleep with the lights on, especially bright ceiling lights, but it’s a habit that may have been developed over the course of years. In contrast, children find it hard to sleep in the dark, especially when their imaginations and senses get the better of them, increasing their body tension and preventing them from descending into more relaxed states. The market for night lamps for kids is a big one, and, unfortunately, it’s a wasteful one as well. There is plenty of room for improvement and many problems to tackle, and this lamp design concept for kids tries to address those concerns from multiple angles, providing a smarter yet friendlier companion for the night.
Children’s products are specially designed to appeal to the younger interests and sensibilities of kids, but for some reason, that is often equated to the use of plastic materials and designs that are hard to repair or disassemble. The end result is often mountains of improperly disposed of toys, furniture, and accessories that endanger the very future of the planet that these kids will have to live on. At the same time, however, designing for sustainability seems to be a bit harder to pull off for kids’ products, a presumption that the Lumo light concept is trying to prove wrong.
Right off the bat, the night lamp looks like a toy, making them feel and look like friends that children can trust to watch over them at night. The handles on the sides look like arms, while the lampshade at the top looks like its head. The lamp is also supposedly easy to clean, disassemble, repair, and recycle, but there are also parts that won’t be easy for kids to reach, like an anti-affordance area at the top to prevent kids’ fingers from being trapped.
The lamp is also designed to be a bit smarter in how much energy it uses up by changing the way it lights up a space to help a child through the different phases of falling asleep. A wide, projected light from the top, for example, could give something for kids to focus on, lulling them to sleep. A “full-body” night mode lamp brings a gentler glow around the room to provide a sense of security, while a torch lamp can help them navigate in the dark when they need to go to the toilet. The lamp is also equipped with sensors that will prevent damaging a child’s sensitive eyes with bright light.
Smart, sustainable, and friendly, the Lumo not only brings forward a new design but also a new way of thinking about designing kids’ products. A lot has changed in the world since the earliest days of plastic toys and products, and it’s high time to rethink the materials we use, which could actually be harmful to children, and the way we make them for longevity and sustainability.
Our modern lives are filled with artificial lights, but there is still plenty to be learned by observing our world’s ancient light sources. Of course, planets and even more distant stars can barely light up our homes, but they can definitely serve as inspirations for interesting designs, from their ball-like shapes to the kind of light they provide. Of all the planets in our neighborhood, Saturn has always mesmerized our minds with its beautiful rings, and it has probably served as the muse for many lamp designs. This somewhat spherical lamp, for example, borrows some ideas from the planet’s morphology to create something unique, fun, striking, and sustainable, all at the same time.
Designer: Veronica Castellanos Barron
Saturn isn’t the only planet in our solar system with rings, but it has always been the most distinctive and picturesque. Literally applying that imagery to a lighting fixture might not exactly be practical, even for a lamp that hangs from the ceiling. Instead, what SATURNO does is learn from the ringed planet’s morphology, which resulted in a more flexible kind of design that still retains a bit of that mystical quality.
The SATURNO lamp is actually made of three disc-shaped parts that connect without the use of any glue or screws. There are cutouts instead that allow the parts to be inserted into each other at perpendicular angles. Two are made from walnut wood, while the third is made from resin, which could be any sustainable kind. A multicolor LED strip is embedded inside the cutout of this resin disc, providing the light that is diffused by the resin surrounding it.
The result is a three-dimensional structure that looks nothing like Saturn yet also subtly bears its form. That’s especially true when you look at the resin part head-on, with its horizontal line mimicking the light scattered by Saturn’s rings. That said, the lamp won’t stand like that unless it has some support, but it can be inclined at any angle or position thanks to its unique shape.
Unlike the real Saturn, SATURNO’s LEDs can be controlled to show different colors and different intensities, creating an even more pleasing experience that could match the owner’s moods and room design. This does mean that there will be some electronics beyond the LED strip, but those can be kept at a minimum and hidden from view inside one of the wooden discs. The end result is a versatile lighting fixture that gives a glimpse of the heavens right inside your home.
Lighting fixtures above dining tables are almost a necessity. After all, you need ample lighting to enjoy your food, especially with other people. These often long tables, however, sometimes serve purposes other than dining, especially in the past years when people found themselves stuck at home and having no suitable place to set up their office or school work. That, however, can be a bit inconvenient when you need to plug some devices or tools in and wall sockets are too far away. To adjust to the changing landscapes in homes, a few furniture and appliances have started taking on multiple roles, like this circular pendant lamp that offers not only light but also power for your laptop and other electronic equipment.
This is one of those ideas that sound so natural after hearing it that you almost wonder why no one or few have ever done it before. After all, lamps already connect to a power source, usually on the same line as other appliances. There are even power outlet accessories that screw into bulb sockets, turning those unused sockets into an additional source of power for other appliances.
The Avro pendant lamp uses that very same concept and implements it in an attractive and convenient manner, turning any table into a multifunctional piece of furniture, depending on what’s hanging down from the lamp. In normal circumstances, the lamp simply hangs by itself, providing light that can be dimmed or brightened depending on the activity happening below it. A softer light, for example, might perfectly set the mood for a relaxing dinner, but something brighter might be needed for games and work.
Things take an interesting turn when you realize there’s a power socket right below the lamp’s diffuser. You can easily plug in a laptop charger if that’s all you need, or perhaps a stylish extension cord to share the power around. Granted, it might look a bit weird with a cable dangling off a lamp, and the lamp itself needs to be at a height you can easily reach while standing up. It’s still a more convenient and more accessible way to get power, though, at least compared to scrambling for a distant wall socket or tripping over extension cords snaking across the floor.
The lamp itself is an attractive decor hanging over your table. Although supposedly named after an aircraft, Avro looks more like a stereotypical UFO, especially with bright light emitting from its bottom. Its aluminum surface, available in bright orange, blue, and white colors, makes it also look like a toy, like a spinning top that reflects light to the point of being a source of light as well. Whichever way you see it, it definitely brings a bit of life to a space while also indirectly bringing additional functionality to any table beneath it.
We have seen many kinds of lamps and lighting fixtures, some more decorative while others are mostly utilitarian in their design. What binds most of these lamps together is their need to be plugged in one way or another, whether it’s to directly tap into a power grid or to charge their internal batteries. Sooner or later, we will realize just how much we consume to light up our homes, especially when it comes to less practical uses like setting the mood or enhancing the atmosphere in a room. These types of lighting might be better off getting their power from alternative sources, and this rather intriguing sheet of acrylic does exactly that by “recycling” the light around it, turning it into energy to generate its own soft circular glow.
Of course, we’ve seen our fair share of “glow in the dark” products that store a bit of sunlight to give them an eerie appearance in the dark. It’s hardly usable as a lighting solution, though, since it can barely illuminate a small area for a long period of time. On the other hand, solar-powered devices are a bit more practical but also less attractive because of the panels that need to be included in the design.
Nisshoku, which is the Japanese word for “eclipse,” utilizes a different technology to generate power using electricity. Light is collected using a specially-treated acrylic surface that acts as a condensing plate that gathers ambient light around it. Rather than convert light into electricity, which can’t be done with non-solar light anyway, the plate instead releases the light along the edges of a circular shape that is always exposed to the outside world, enabling it to accept any and all kinds of light in an area.
This material is then set in the middle of an opalescent acrylic square that covers the edges of the condensing plate. This creates the effect of diffusing the light at the edges, which looks like the corona of a full solar eclipse, hence its name. The end result is a warm yet eerie glow that easily draws one’s attention, all without using any electricity. And the way it glows is determined by how much light it is able to gather, so it will vary depending on the environment.
Of course, it isn’t going to be usable as a light source in the darkness because it does require light to be present to work. It is mostly decorative than practical, but at least you won’t be wasting any electric power just to make your room look a bit more appealing.
